Grants Accountant

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago • Chicago, IL

2d • $58,000 - $72,000

About The Position

The Grants Accountant provides technical accounting, budget and other administrative support for Program Managers, under the direction of the Director of Grants Accounting. Responsibilities include monitoring, analyzing and maintaining financial transactions for a wide variety of social service programs; tracking revenues and expenditures, and preparing required internal and external financial reports. The successful candidate will perform complex, technical grants accounting work involving varying fiscal years and requiring greater independent judgment within the framework of existing accounting policies and procedures. Work is performed under general supervision and is reviewed by the VP of Administration or designate through periodic conferences and reports. The position supports the grant portfolio for various social and educational service programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
• Minimum 3 years of progressive accounting experience
• Knowledge of general accounting principles and practices, accrual accounting, grants accounting and cost allocation and government funding
• Ability to plan, design and implement specialized financial accounting procedures and reports
• Ability to research, analyze, and interpret complex accounting data
• Ability to prepare clear, concise financial reports for managers, grantors, and other stakeholders
• Ability to evaluate current accounting policies and procedures and recommend improvements
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts
• Knowledge of 2 CFR 200, Single Audit
• Advanced PC skills related to financial reporting including advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, query, and reporting tools
• Knowledge of governmental structure, accounting, and budget procedures

Nice To Haves

• CPA Preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced, technical grants accounting support work for Program Managers and department programs.
• Monitor, analyze and maintain financial transactions for social service programs funded by Federal, state and local grants.
• Ensure fiscal compliance by subcontractors and sub-recipients with various reporting periods.
• Track revenues and expenditures by funding source and/or subcontract. Reconcile grant and program financial statements to the program budgets.
• Maintain and update cost allocation plans; ensure expenses allocated to grants align with the plan.
• Participate in fiscal monitoring as required by Funding Agencies.
• Review data, identify errors, research discrepancies, and recommend corrective actions.
• Collaborate with interdepartmental staff, Internal Audit and Compliance, Legal, Centers Business Office, and government agencies.
• Provide accounting information and technical assistance to subcontractors and sub-recipients; work with funding authorities to resolve discrepancies.
• Prepare reports, statements, records, analyses, and financial compilations for federal, state, and local regulatory agencies.
• Prepare grant close-outs and periodic reports.
• Maintain and track complex billings and financial information for grants.
• Prepare financial projections for RFPs, RFQs, and subcontracts.
• Process vouchers on contract awards; prepare billing documents; track due dates; verify invoices for allowable costs; prepare monthly reimbursement requests.
• Maintain internal accounting controls as required by federal, state, and local grantors; ensure compliance with 2 CFR 200, Single Audit, and related regulations.
• Assist in recommending and implementing fiscal reforms in department systems and subcontractor/sub-recipient reporting systems.
• Assist in developing and implementing administrative, program, and subcontract budgets; contribute to procedural improvements.
• Use spreadsheets, databases, and word processing programs; support Accounts Payable process in Coupa.
• Maintain knowledge of department operations and systems; ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Support the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members, or guests to your supervisor, following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, and reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor.
• Complete all child abuse prevention training as required.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work-life balance.
• 403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.
• Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
• Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level